Immigration in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 1798: Requires the Missouri driver's license written examination to be administered in English and prohibits the use of translators

HB 1798 requires that the written portion of Missouri's driver's license examination be administered exclusively in English, prohibiting the use of translators during this test. This change directly affects applicants for new or renewed driver's licenses who do not speak English fluently, as they must now complete the written test without language assistance. The bill does not alter other components of the licensing process, such as vision tests, practical driving tests, or exceptions for military members or license holders from reciprocal states. It specifically targets the written exam's language requirement, ensuring all applicants must demonstrate understanding of traffic laws in English. This policy change applies to all applicants taking the written test, regardless of prior license status or background.

Topics ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2667: Establishes the "Eliminate Criminal Profiteering Act"

HB 2667, titled the "Eliminate Criminal Profiteering Act," modifies negligence claims in Missouri. It prohibits individuals engaged in "wrongful conduct" (defined as criminal activity or intentional torts) from suing for negligence related to that conduct, shifting the burden of proof to the defendant (Section 3). Additionally, it bars unauthorized immigrants from recovering general damages or lost wages in negligence claims arising from automobile accidents, requiring plaintiffs to prove lawful status via documentation (Section 4). The law directly affects plaintiffs in security negligence cases involving criminal activity and immigrant plaintiffs in car accident claims. It does not change criminal laws but alters civil liability for specific negligence scenarios.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2697: Changes the definition of "qualified student" for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program

HB 2697 modifies the definition of "qualified student" for Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. It excludes students who are "illegal aliens" and adds two eligibility pathways: (1) students with an IEP under federal special education law, or (2) students from households earning ≤300% of the free/reduced lunch income threshold who attended public school recently or meet specific grade-level/sibling criteria. The bill directly affects students seeking scholarship funds to attend participating private, charter, or virtual schools. It does not create new funding but changes who qualifies for existing scholarship accounts under Section 166.700.

Topics ✓ Education ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics School Choice Special Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · Missouri · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 2511: Modifies provisions relating to employment of unauthorized aliens

HB 2511 requires state contractors, public employers, and businesses receiving state contracts or subsidies to verify employees' work authorization through a federal program (like E-Verify) and submit annual sworn affidavits confirming they do not knowingly employ unauthorized immigrants. It mandates that the state attorney general enforce these rules by investigating complaints, verifying immigration status via federal data, and suspending business licenses for violations after court findings. The law suspends verification requirements for 15 days during declared emergencies like natural disasters. This directly affects businesses working with Missouri state or local government, requiring them to implement new compliance procedures for employee eligibility.

Topics ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Work Authorization

signed · Missouri · House May 6, 2026

HB 1866: Allows the director of the department of public safety to deny a peace officer license if an applicant has had a license permanently revoked or suspended

HB 1866 changes Missouri's peace officer licensing rules by requiring the director of the Department of Public Safety to deny a license application if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, had a previous peace officer license permanently revoked or surrendered, or has other issues that would lead to disciplinary action if licensed. The director may instead grant a license with conditions or deny it, and must provide written notice of the decision. Applicants denied a license can appeal to an administrative hearing within 30 days, but the hearing will not reconsider the severity of the issue or rehabilitation efforts. This bill replaces the existing licensing criteria with these specific denial conditions.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1801: Changes the definition of "qualified student" for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program

HB 1801 changes the definition of "qualified student" for Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. It specifies that a qualified student must be a Missouri resident not classified as an "illegal alien" and must either have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under federal special education law or meet income requirements (300% of free/reduced lunch standards) while also meeting enrollment criteria like having attended public school full-time for a semester or being kindergarten-ready. This bill directly affects students seeking scholarship funds to attend participating private, charter, or public schools. The key change replaces the prior definition with these specific eligibility requirements.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics School Choice Special Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 1038: Requires all employers to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program

SB 1038 requires all Missouri employers, including public employers and businesses receiving state contracts over $5,000, to enroll in and actively participate in a federal work authorization program. Employers must provide annual sworn affidavits confirming their enrollment and verifying they do not knowingly employ unauthorized workers. Violations result in fines of $2,000 per unauthorized worker and license suspensions (30 days for first offense, up to one year for third offense). The bill mandates employers to verify new hires' work eligibility through the federal program and provides an affirmative defense for compliant businesses. It suspends enrollment requirements for 15 days during declared emergencies like natural disasters.

Topics ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Work Authorization

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1338: Creates new provisions relating to illegal immigrants

SB 1338 creates a new state criminal offense for entering Missouri while violating federal immigration law (specifically, 8 U.S.C. § 1325, which prohibits unauthorized entry into the U.S.). If convicted, individuals face a $100,000 fine and a mandatory order of removal from the state. The bill also allows courts to dismiss charges and issue removal orders without a full trial upon request. This law directly affects non-citizens who enter Missouri without federal authorization under U.S. immigration law.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

in committee · Missouri · House May 7, 2026

HB 2468: Modifies provisions for eligibility for public assistance benefits

HB 2468 changes eligibility for Missouri's SNAP (food assistance) and MO HealthNet (medical assistance) by requiring applicants to prove U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful immigration status under federal definitions. Applicants must provide documentary evidence (like a driver's license or federal immigration documents) at application, or use a sworn affidavit for temporary benefits while gathering proof. State agencies must verify lawful presence through the federal SAVE program, with temporary benefits limited to 90 days or until proof is submitted. The bill excludes emergency medical care, prenatal services, and certain other benefits from these restrictions.

Topics ✗ Healthcare ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2326: Modifies provisions governing municipal policies on sanctuary for certain individuals

HB 2326 requires Missouri municipalities to adopt policies promoting voluntary cooperation with federal and state immigration authorities, directly affecting all cities, counties, towns, and villages. It replaces previous restrictions on "sanctuary policies" by mandating that local officials receive written guidance on immigration enforcement duties and prohibiting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration agencies or grant undocumented immigrants rights violating federal law. Municipalities complying with these requirements may qualify for state funding, technical assistance, or training programs, while those suspected of noncompliance must receive written notice and a chance to appeal before any funding adjustments. The bill explicitly preserves municipalities' ability to maintain community trust and encourage crime reporting, as long as policies align with federal law.

Topics ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

All immigration bills